MOFD Swears in Bradley, Board Accepts Wilson's Resignation
By Lucy Amaral
Randall Bradley is officially the new Fire Chief for the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD). Bradley was sworn in on November 18th by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge John Kennedy during a ceremony held at the Moraga Way station.
"The swearing-in of Chief Bradley is a culmination of a robust process to identify and hire the best person available to run MOFD operations," said MOFD Board Member Frank Sperling. "I'm extremely pleased with the process and am very pleased and excited that Randall Bradley is our new chief."
The event also honored outgoing Chief Pete Nowicki for his service to MOFD.
"Chief Nowicki came up through the ranks of MOFD during his more than two decades with the department," said Sperling. "He has served the District with diligence and a true commitment to excellence. I can't thank Pete enough for his excellent efforts."
During the Board of Director's meeting that followed, it was announced that Board President Pete Wilson would resign effective December 16th due to health reasons. Wilson has been on the board of MOFD since its inception in 1997 and according to the resignation letter, he stated that his health precludes him from full and active participation.
"Pete has volunteered thousands of hours to work for the betterment of the community and of MOFD," said Sperling. "It will be sad to say goodbye to Pete in his role on the MOFD Board. At the same time, I understand and respect his decision - and wish him the best."
The Board's discussion that evening regarding the process to replace Wilson engaged the capacity-filled meeting room. Available options range from the Board appointing a replacement to holding a special election where voters make the choice.
Many of the citizens who attended voiced their support of a special election to ensure the process would be as transparent as possible. Also attending the meeting was Orinda City Council Member Steve Glazer, who added his voice to the conversation saying that holding a special election would "promote confidence in the MOFD from the community."
Sperling noted that no action could be taken that night as Wilson is still a sitting member of the Board. The Board requested that detailed information regarding their options be presented at the next Board meeting for further review.
"The board is not taking this decision lightly, nor have any of us predetermined our decision. We have requested additional information from staff and from our legal counsel to assist us in our decision-making process," Sperling said. "I would personally appreciate hearing from members of the community on this issue as it would be helpful for me in forming my decision."
"The swearing-in of Chief Bradley is a culmination of a robust process to identify and hire the best person available to run MOFD operations," said MOFD Board Member Frank Sperling. "I'm extremely pleased with the process and am very pleased and excited that Randall Bradley is our new chief."
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA